Bengals Switch To Digital Playbook, Make Upgrades To IT Infrastructure

The Bengals are "joining the league's digital revolution, becoming the latest team to move their playbooks from three-ring binders to tablets," according to Joe Reedy of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. The organization "bought about 110 iPads for players and coaches for the upcoming season." There will be "at least 12 teams this season, including the Bengals," using digital playbooks. Bengals Exec VP Katie Blackburn "proposed the move last year, but head coach Marvin Lewis was hesitant due to the lockout and the lack of programs that were user-friendly." Going digital also "required the Bengals to upgrade their IT infrastructure, which they did through partnerships with Pomeroy and Northern Kentucky University." The Bengals "would not put a specific figure on how much the total cost was other than to say ownership committed to investing hundreds of thousands of dollars." Another benefit of the digital playbook is that "players are allowed to access notes from previous games" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 6/15).